Frequently Asked Questions
Office of Residence Life

What will it be like living on campus?
Living on campus will be the experience that you make of it. You have the opportunity to make memories and gain friends that will last a lifetime. Simply have fun, get involved, and respect those around you.

Do I have to live on campus?
Research has shown that students who live on campus are often more likely to succeed in college. Students with 84 or fewer completed credit hours must reside in the residence halls unless he/she meets one of the following qualifications: 1) 22 years or older, 2) Have completed at least 84 credit hours, 3) Married, 4) Military Service Veteran or 5) Live with a parent or legal guardian within the approved commuting distance.

Will I be able to sleep and study with so many people around?
Yes, the residence halls have 24-hour courtesy hours. Residents are encouraged to ask members of their hall community to lower their voices, radios or televisions in order to optimize study and sleep time. Quiet Hours are in effect from 9pm – 9am on weekdays. During Quiet Hours, everyone must lower the noise levels to be contained within the rooms and doors should be closed.

Can I have a pet?
Due to health and safety concerns no pets are allowed except fish. Fish tanks must be no larger than 20 gallons, are limited to one tank per room and must be registered in the Residence Life Office.

Can I have a car on campus?
Yes. All that is required is that you register your vehicle with the College.

Where do I have my mail sent?
Mailbox numbers are assigned just prior to the beginning of the semester. Upon arrival to the College, you will receive your mailbox number and combination. This is how your mail should be addressed:

• Your Name
  Defiance College
  701 North Clinton Street
  Your Box Number
  Defiance, OH 43512
  

Where can I do laundry?
Laundry facilities are located in each residence hall. Change machines are located in each lobby.

What is furnished in my room?
Each room has one of the following per person: bed, mattress, desk, chair, closet, dresser, internet jack, telephone jack (one only), and cable outlet (one only).

What should I bring from home?
Please see: "What to Bring & What to Leave at Home"

What if I lose my room key or access card?
If you lose your room key or access card, you must immediately contact your RD, ARD, RA or the Office of Residence Life.

Do I need a phone or answering machine?
You must bring a phone from home, but you do not need an answering machine. Our phone system provides free local phone service to all students and a free voice mailbox for each room. There is no service charge or set up fee. Long distance calls can be made by using a calling card.

Can I build a loft in my room?
Some students choose to build a loft, but our beds can be bunked which saves space. If you choose to build a loft, it must meet certain safety requirements and a Loft Building Permit must be completed and approved by the Director of Residence Life.

Can I have an air conditioner or heater in my room?
Unfortunately, no.

May I stay in the residence hall the entire academic year?
You may stay in your room during the entire academic year except during the Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break and Spring Break. During these times, the halls are officially closed. If you need to stay, special arrangements may be possible and a break fee must be paid in advance.

Can I have a refrigerator in my room?
You may have a refrigerator in your room, but it must be no more than 4.2 cubic feet in size.

Is storage space available?
Sorry, space in the residence hall is limited. Please choose what you are bringing carefully. The College is not able to provide storage and all room furniture must stay in your room at all times.

Who cleans the rooms and the buildings?
DC is fortunate to have wonderful custodial and maintenance staffs who maintain the common areas and community bathrooms. Students are responsible for cleaning their rooms and private bathrooms. Also, students are responsible for taking the trash from their room to the trash collection area.

What about alcohol?
Alcohol is forbidden on the campus of Defiance College.

Can I smoke in my room?
Due to safety and health concerns, smoking is forbidden in the residence halls. Students who wish to smoke must do so outside of the building.

Where do I get cash?
An ATM machine is located in the Serrick Center on campus.

What if I have any other questions?
When you arrive on campus you will meet the members of the Residence Life staff who are here to help you adjust to campus life. Both Whitney Hall and McReynolds Hall are staffed with six Resident Assistants, one Assistant Resident Director and one Resident Director. The Jacket Suites is supervised by a Resident Director. We are here for you and will answer all your questions. For immediate concerns, contact the Office of Residence Life at (419) 783-2563.